New York Times Bestseller: A breathtaking saga of ancient Greece and one of history’s most influential political couples, Aspasia and Pericles. Born in the Greek city of Miletus, Aspasia was destined for a life of tragedy. Her wealthy father vowed to abandon any female child, so Aspasia was secreted away, educated independently of her family, and raised as a courtesan. She discovered at an early … courtesan. She discovered at an early age how to use her powers of intellect as ingeniously as those of the flesh.
Ensconced in the Persian harems of Al Taliph, she meets the man who will change her fate: Pericles, the formidable political leader, statesman, ruler of Athens, and Aspasia’s most cherished lover. She becomes his trusted confidante, his equal through scandal, war, and revolt.
From the eruption of the Peloponnesian War to violent political and family rivalries to a devastating plague, author Taylor Caldwell plunges the reader into the heart of ancient Athens. In bringing to life the tumultuous love affairs and gripping power struggles of one of history’s most complicated and fascinating women, Glory and the Lightning is thrilling proof that “Caldwell never falters when it comes to storytelling” (Publishers Weekly).
This ebook features an illustrated biography of Taylor Caldwell including rare images from the author’s estate.
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Although this isn’t a typical romance—the two could never have a happily-ever-after in the setting and times in which they lived—the relationship between the two main characters, Pericles (the famous head of the city-state of Athens) and Aspasia, (a hetaira or educated courtesan) is an epic tale of love that neither seemed to want but couldn’t help. It’s also an excellent description of what life was like in both Persia and Athens for women during the 400s BC.
Greece & other places BC. Interesting.
With 600 pages this is a book that I found myself “slogging” through and at the same time unwilling to put it down. The descriptions of Athens and its culture at the time are stunning. Ms. Caldwell tends to get a bit verbose in her detail whether she is describing a room, a meal, or a person’s philosophy. Throughout, I continued to imagine myself in the setting. I’m glad I read it but will probably not go chasing after another of her novels.
I love all Taylor Caldwell books
While set in ancient Greece, and published in 1974, the political intrigue could come directly from Washington, DC. However, the characters are far more likeable than most of the politicians in DC, in spite of the murders, conspiracies, public manipulation, and outrageous orgies. Two leading characters, the beautiful, intelligent woman trained to be a man’s companion, Aspasia and the handsome, determined soldier & politician, Pericles. Of course, the end up together eventually. Peppered with great scholars of the age such as Socrates, this story shows how passionately one woman fought to empower women to pursue the calling of their choice and to open a path for them through education and freedom rarely available to women. Pericles supports all Aspasia’s efforts, while trying to provide art & progressive thinking for a decadent society stagnating in tradition & abuse of all but a few privileged men. His impassioned speeches ring all the more today as, unfortunately, our world still needs to realize and adapt to much of Pericles’s call. Caldwell does such a great job showing what created people like Aspasia and Pericles as well as their opponents. It is well worth reading!
An interesting story about historical characters. This book is long and is not an easy read, but worth the effort.
Excellent historical novel.
Not up to her usual standard
Not one of Taylor Cadwell’s best. Really stretching the ‘coming of the christian one god theme’ in an age of philosophy and Polytheism. Philosophy parts best.
One of my all time favorite books, I first read it about age 13 and I read it over and over again.
Well written! I was exposed to life in 400bc in Greece I used the dictionary app on the Kindle quite often.
Could have been written from today’s political news…history repeats itself and truth endures.
I read this book years ago and still remember the story. It is a tragic, involved story with many twists and turns. The characters are memorable. Some parts are truly heartbreaking and inspiriring.
Taylor Caldwell sure was a great writer.
Exceptional and informative. A truly brilliant writer
Love all of her books.